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HELCO, Red Cross continue recovery efforts

By JOHN BURNETTSTEPHENS MEDIA HAWAII

Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Friday it restored electric service to approximately 2,500 customers Thursday, leaving an estimated 3,800 customers without power.

According to a written HELCO statement, more than 200 workers are in the field working on power restoration, including 26 line crews, 14 tree trimming-crews, and 30 construction crews contracted to dig holes for utility poles.

According to HELCO, line crews worked Friday in Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Paradise Park and portions of upper Puna. In addition, crews were making progress along Pahoa-Kalapana Road.

HELCO continues to operate its customer information center at the Hawaiian Shores Community Center in Hawaiian Beaches. The center will remain open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as the restoration process continues.

Hawaiian Telcom has also set up phones and free Wi-Fi access at the Hawaiian Shores Community Center to assist Puna residents who are without service.

The Hawaii Red Cross Shelter at the Pahoa Community Center remains open to support the individuals and families impacted by the storm. Residents needing to stay in the shelter will be provided with meals and a cot to sleep on and also will be able to take a shower and charge their phones.

At the Red Cross shelters and distribution centers, thousands of supplies, meals and snacks were provided to those in need thanks to corporate and community partners such as Foodland, Walmart, Safeway, P&G/Duracell, Home Depot, Target, CVS Caremark/Longs Drugs and Chevron. American Savings Bank also has made a donation of $25,000 for Hawaii Red Cross Disaster Relief, the agency said.

Red Cross volunteers will distribute relief supplies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or while supplies last, today at Pahoa Community Center and Mountain View Gym.

The state and county’s Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center provides information on available services to those who were affected by Iselle. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Mountain View Gym.

To contribute to the Red Cross relief effort, visit redcross.org/donate or call 800-REDCROSS.